The Long-Awaited Sequel (Sound Familiar?)

DISCLAIMER: Yup, it's all about Potter again.

I imagine the hardest part of a book to write is the dedication.

To CVS pharmacy: You supplied my first stenographer notebook and black, BIC Round Stic ballpoint pens, and then proceeded to increase prices steadily over the course of my teen years. Thanks, guys.

To my four-cup coffeemaker, Josephus, who works overtime but doesn't get paid overtime. He never offers judgment, just a delicious brew.

To my high school Varsity Letter: You taught me that hard work is the key to success. And then remained in the dark recesses of a dresser drawer for five years.

To every Sand Art object I ever created: You imparted the valuable lesson, "All that glitters is not gold." When you shake things up that should not be shaken, you get an ugly, drab, greyish piece of crap that sits conspicuously on a mantle.

+ H&Ks, Colleen.

There are dedications that are barely worth a passing glance, there are some that are meaningful only to their intended, and then there are the dedications that strike our hearts and resonate within us. They invite the reader into more personal relationship with the author, a moment of shared joy, laughter, or commiseration. For this reason, a good dedication stays with me as often as a good story. C.S. Lewis's dedication to his goddaughter, Lucy Barfield, opens the adventure of The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, and what a glorious opening it is. The "corrected" dedication to "Leon Werth, When He Was A Little Boy," that introduces The Little Prince cannot be overlooked - It is too charming, too humorous, too real. And all-too-recently (has it really been four years?), J.K. Rowling split her Deathly Hallows dedication seven ways, the final of which was, "To you, if you have stuck with Harry until the very end." Sigh.

Today marks the release of the final Potter installment - Of the film franchise, that is. And while my true mourning period occurred four years ago with the close of the book, I cannot deny the sense of nostalgia that accompanies this movie, despite my (rather vocal) qualms with aspects of the films. (Re: I refuse to even acknowledge the existence of Half Blood Prince.)

But rather than dwell on what I would call "mistakes" (e.g., Alfonso Cuaron's directorial stint, the Trio's acting in films three through six, the disappointment of the Quidditch World Cup, the emergence of "pretty" Hermione that negates her appearance at the Yule Ball, Harry's blue eyes, Fred and George's shockingly poor banter - especially for twins, the focus on relationships to the point where the WIZARDING WAR is forgotten, non-canon dance sequences, and Bonnie Wright, among many, many other mistakes), I choose to use this blog to pay credit where credit is due. For as many things are wrong (or rotten, or just awful) in the films, one must acknowledge artistic license and the absolutely genius casting of certain British/Irish actors. Here's looking at you, Alan Rickman.

I am no Ebert. I am no Roeper. My claim is loyalty to the literature, and for many people, this has no bearing on the credibility of the film. Perhaps I am not qualified to offer judgment...

Like it's ever stopped me before.

Buckle up Potter Pals, Horcrux Hunters, and Champions of Hogwarts.

A Character Commentary

(in no particular order)

Jason Isaacs: You were born to play Lucius Malfoy. You continue to be my favorite villain. Whether a cruel Redcoat, a vindicative Captain Hook, or a malicious Death Eater, you blow me away. When he uttered the words, "Drag- Dragon heartstring," in Part One, I wanted to stand and applaud in the theater.

Imelda Staunton: Props, girl. You captured the essence of Umbridge, and you made me hate her. I don't know if I have ever wanted to smack a character so much.

Tom Felton: You've grown on me, Draco. You were just a snide little kid, but you stepped up your game in HBP. I would have loved to see more dialogue, but the fault lies with the screenplay, not you. You did an excellent job with those mirror sequences, and you epitomized "Scared seventeen year-old who is way over his head" in Part One, without condescending to "Distressed Friend of Deceased Person #2" on Law and Order: SVU.

Emma Watson: I will give credit where credit is due. I admit, I have talked smack since Prisoner of Azkaban. The lack of dramatic finesse is fine when you're ten/eleven/twelve, but by the time you tackle your third blockbuster, you probably could've learned a thing or two about acting. She has grated on me for AGES, and I'm sorry boys, "Uh, but she's really hot," just isn't a viable excuse. Part of my frustration stems from costuming and hair/make-up. Namely, they made Hermione too pretty too fast. We lose the insecurity that is integral to Hermione's character: It lies dormant at first, hidden underneath her smarts, her bravery, her seeming confidence, but as she ages, acknowledging and conquering this insecurity is part of her maturation process. Anyway, Emma, you exceeded my expectations in Part One. The "Obliviate" scene (wiping her parents' memories) is nothing short of powerful. Watson successfully taps into an emotional part of Hermione's character that is heretofore unparalleled. (Those scenes she spends crying over Ron in HBP are woefully tragic, but not because of a deep, emotional connection with the character or audience, ughh.) In Part One, your acting was no longer elementary, my dear Watson. Well done.

Michael Gambon: I have loved you in every film... except Harry Potter. In large part, this is because Richard Harris is simply irreplaceable. When you attempted to offer your own critical interpretation of Dumbledore, we fans couldn't handle it. Sadly, you are not my Dumbledore... But you are a talented and amazing actor.

Kenneth Branagh: This casting choice made me laugh. I have a hard time believing KB isn't actually a pompous, self-assured, slightly deceitful yet slightly charming actor (re: Gilderoy Lockhart). For example, KB was nominated for an Oscar for "Best Adapted Screenplay" for his cinematic rendition of Hamlet. Umm, Kenneth? Remember the difference between your version of Hamlet and those already in existence? You didn't want to edit a single line of dialogue. So... Best Adapted Screenplay? I think that goes to the Bard, big guy.

I will refrain from extensive commentary on the casting choices I disliked: Lupin (Are we sure that isn't the principal from Ferris Bueller?), Tonks (a crying shame, because you were great in the book), all of the Triwizard Champions (Krum, you couldn't have beem more dissimilar from your book description; Cedric, sorry bro, you peaked with your HP death because Twilight certainly isn't winning you any Oscars; Fleur, Yeah... I'm just indifferent.) Ginny Weasley, I've said my piece about you. And Sirius. Poor, poor Sirius. I love Gary Oldman, but he is a bit too old for the part of devilish and charming godfather (at least as construed in this series), and he has zero chemistry with Daniel Radcliffe. Although I am not entirely sure that's his fault.

Instead, I will transition into a brief commentary on my favorite Non-Trio book characters, and what I love about their cinematic counterparts.

Minerva McGonagall

If I had to select a favorite character, Minerva McGonagall wins. From her moment of introduction, McGonagall balances a stern, no-nonsense demeanor with a hidden compassion for the welfare of Harry - She spends the day in Animagus form, spying on the Dursleys, determining if Privet Drive is, in fact, a suitable place to grow up. She has a dry, yet hilarious, sense of humor (Cough drop, Dolores?), and even she is a rulebreaker when the time warrants (i.e, during Umbridge's treacherous reign):

"Harry witnessed Professor McGonagall walking right past Peeves, who was determinedly loosening a crystal chandelier, and could have sworn he heard her tell the poltergeist out of the corner of her mouth, 'It unscrews the other way.'"

Whether it's offering Harry a biscuit, rallying the Quidditch time to victory, protecting the Wizarding World as a member of the First AND Second Order of the Phoenix, looking out for the student body as Deputy Headmistress, or calling the castle to arms and kicking some serious ass in the Battle of Hogwarts, Minerva is the woman. Extremely competitive, fiercely loyal, and unyielding in morality, McGonagall sheer talent is underscored by her desire to protect others and see their successes, as well. She can pull off tartan plaid AND spectacles (not as easy as you think), and she is an extremely gifted Transfiguration professor: She even offers to coach Harry privately in his quest to become an Auror.

McGonagall: He has achieved high marks in all of his Defence against the Dark Arts tests —
Umbridge: I'm terribly sorry to have to contradict you, Minerva, but as you will see from my note, Harry has been achieving very poor results in his classes with me —
McGonagall: I should have made my meaning plainer ... He has achieved high marks in all Defence Against the Dark Arts tests set by a competent teacher.

BURN!

You know that nothing escapes McGonagall: In short, if I am ever a teacher, I hope I am a teacher like Minerva McGonagall. I will reiterate the badass point, as she survived four stunning spells to the chest. Yeah, she's that good.

In my mind, Maggie Smith was cast PERFECTLY as McGonagall. An acclaimed British actress, Dame Smith captures the dry humor, the intelligence, the wit, the tenacity, the BEAUTY that is McGonagall. Love you, Maggie.

Luna Lovegood

How can you not LOVE Luna?

Luna is all that is good and innocent in this world. She is also a lot sharper than most people give her credit for. As she searches for her belongings (spread across the castle) during the final feast in OoTP, she imparts a valuable lesson to Harry and readers. She has an ethereal, whimsical quality that is endearing, and her demeanor makes her even more "real" and accessible than some of her more practical classmates. She treats others with respect, regardless of race - Notice her courtesy toward Ollivander, Griphook, and Dobby in the Malfoy dungeon. She is a compassionate, kind girl who is not touched with a drop of cynicism or malice. Her life has been far from easy - She lost her mother tragically at a young age, and she is later kidnapped and ransomed to force the hand of her father - and yet Luna remains optimistic. She transforms every occasion into an occasion of hope and belief in the unseen. The mural on her wall, featuring the portraits of the Trio, Ginny, and Neville, as well as the small golden links emblazoned "friends" is a beautiful witness to the character of Luna.

The first thing that the Casting Director did correctly was cast a fan in the role of Luna Lovegood. Evanna Lynch is a wonderful testament to the character of Luna. She is a bit quirky, a bit spacey, and every bit as captivating.

Neville Longbottom

Neville is my underdog. I am always cheering for him, and I rejoice in his victories. His plight is, at times, more painful than Harry's. If there was a moment when my heart was moved before Deathly Hallows, it was undoubtedly when the Trio discovers Neville at St. Mungo's, visiting his parents. When Alice Longbottom offers the chewing gum wrapper to Neville, my heart broke.

Throughout the series, Neville shows unequivocal heart and strength. When Albus Dumbledore awards Gryffindor ten points at the end of Sorcerer's Stone -  "There are all kinds of courage. It takes a great deal of courage to stand up to our enemies, but just as much to stand up to our friends," - I am doing a jig and fist-pump, simultaneously. It is fitting, too, that Neville is the one to destroy the final Horcrux, Nagini. He and Harry are alike in so many ways, and Neville - the boy who could have been the Boy Who Lived, a boy who also sacrificed greatly - is brave and courageous and a true Gryffindor at heart. I love that Neville helps to lead a resistance movement during his final year at Hogwarts. I love that he makes his tough-as-nails Gran proud. In short, I love Neville.

I've found the actor to be a delight to grow up with, as well. Matthew Lewis has had one of the most startling transformations since the first movie, and yet, said transformation is not without a number of awkward stages, moments, and lines. Lewis has been a great sport about it, and I think said changes within the physical arena have made Neville more relatable, more human. From tubby little boy to gangly teen to stronger, more confident man, Lewis has added another dimension to Neville's stalwart character.

Arthur Weasley

It takes a great man to lead a clan like the Weasleys. Arthur's compassion toward Muggles and genuine interest in Wizard/Muggle relations are a testament to his virtue. As a pureblood, he could have easily turned his back on Muggleborns, and yet, he teaches his family that there is much more to life than blood status. He may not be rich, but Arthur Weasley is noble. He treats Harry like one of his own, and he is delightfully endearing when he tinkers with Muggle toys and appliances. The trials both he and Molly have endured - their eldest son, bitten by a werewolf, their Ministry-loving, prat of a son, rejecting his family for years, a twin whose ear has been cursed off, another who is killed, and a son, missing for nearly a year, roaming the world in search of Horcruxes. It's almost unfathomable. Yet Arthur remains a kindhearted, occasionally bumbling, yet ultimately lovable dad. He is an unmistakeably strong father figure. My favorite Arthur moment? After Harry has been removed from Privet Drive in DH, and the lot has been attacked by Voldemort and his Death Eaters. Because for all the moments you have seen Arthur jolly, it is rare to see him angry and truly terrified.

"I'll prove who I am, Kingsley, after I've seen my son, now back off if you know what's good for you!"

Suffice to say I was almost brought to tears (There are a lot of those moments for me, huh?). This was one of my few discrepancies with Part One of the seventh movie, because I think this line is so crucial to Arthur's character. Alas! We can't always get what we want.

Mark Williams captures Arthur's slightly befuddled yet overwhelmingly intelligent and sage persona. There are moments I may wish for more, and yet, Arthur is such a dynamic character - Would I be satisified with anything less than my imagination?

 Severus Snape

Where do I begin? I could write a whole post on the the bravest man we have ever known. I was always in the "Snape is more than he seems" camp, and even after Half Blood Prince, I maintained that Snape was good... Rowling had yet to reveal his true character.

I can't begin to summarize the moments that have made me love Snape. He is perhaps the most heroic and most tragic character to grace the series. His is the story of a boy who loved a girl, a boy who made a tragic mistake, and a man who spent his life atoning for his sins. Fighting valiantly and secretly against the Darkest Wizard of all time, convincing said Wizard of his allegiance - It's too much to comprehend. He protects the son of the woman he loved and a man he couldn't stand. And for what? No glory. No fame. It was his life on the line, every moment he lied to Voldemort, ever time he catered to his role as double agent. And even after all that time... Always. He loved her. And he died for the sake of the one she loved best. He died to eradicate hate, and prejudice, and evil from that world.

For ten years, I have been waiting for Snape's moment. And I cannot begin to imagine how well Alan Rickman will play that part. Rowling trusted him enough to reveal tiny clues about Snape's character to him, years and years before the rest of the world. Rickman has acted brilliantly, and like his character, he is completely unsurpassed. There's something about that man... Whether it's just a subtle change in his eye or a colorless word or two, Alan Rickman epitomizes Severus Snape. And as I prepare to see the movie in a few short hours, I eagerly await layers, LAYERS of Snape.


Draco Dormiens Nunquam Titillandus,

+ C.A.C.
Copy Editor, The Quibbler
Deputy of the Deputy Headmistress
Retired Park Ranger, Forest of Dean
Reserve Chaser, Chudley Canons
Official Chocolate Frogs Taste Tester

- - -

This has been a terribly self-indulgent blog, I fear.

 

I'll end with this - The beauty of books, and even films, is that the can be shared, a million times over. A new world can be created in the eyes of a reader, a new pasttimme can be developed, a new passion for literature and for cinema can be cultiavted. I urge you, then, reader, to share your experience of Rowling's world with another - And in that way, may we not close the door on childhood, but open the door for someone else. Hokey? Yes. But true.

This blog is lovingly dedicated to Kelsey Flynn,
who patiently waited all week for it.

Girl, you know I'd go Horcrux hunting with you.

Lumos!

Nox.